Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

Much has now been written about hygge, lagom, fika and other takes on Scandinavian culture. Now that winter is here, this may be the perfect time to learn more about the Scandinavian countries and what makes each unique. This gorgeously illustrated, at times tongue in cheek, book is a good starting point. Subjects covered include style, food, the outdoors, family life, culture and celebrations. Enjoy your trip to Sweden, Norway and Denmark with Bronte Aurell; he makes quite a guide.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in exchange for an honest review.

This book is part of a series by Boys Town press that is meant to help children to cope. In this entry, the reader follows Blake as he is involved in several situations that overwhelm him. Generally, he cannot figure out how to get everything done. The reader sees how many demands he faces and that is just how they feel, like external demands that Blake does not know how to meet. Blake’s mother teaches him the “three Ps;” these are prioritizing, planning and posting, that is figuring out the order in which things need to be accomplished, figuring out how to each task in steps and putting a reminder where it can be seen. Adults will see this as organizing and partializing in order to get things done.
Young elementary school aged children will see how Blake manages a bake sale, his chores, his schoolwork and more. Each time the “three Ps” come into play. Children who buy into this message will have a useful tool for getting their work done and not becoming completely overwhelmed. There is a section of tips for parents at the end of the book.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this title in exchange for an honest review. I am off to get organized now!

This is the first book that I have read by Karma Brown; it was certainly interesting and surprising. The novel tells the stories of two marriages and one house in suburban Westchester, New York.

In the present day, Alice has met her husband in a cute way in Central Park and subsequently married.  Her life is complicated (no spoilers so I won’t say why) which leads to her reluctantly moving to the suburbs with her seemingly perfect husband Nate.  In the earlier time line the story of Nellie, who is married to Richard, is told.  The expectations for her are clear but how will Nellie deal with them?

Each chapter begins with either a recipe from the 50s or a quote from a marriage journal.  There are also many references to 1950s Ladies Home Journal issues.  These definitely enhanced the story.

The book raises questions about the nature of marriage and the roles between women and men.  To what extent should a wife strive to be the person her husband wants/ needs?  What if the husband is not at all perfect?  How far should a woman go to feel free? What do older women have to teach those younger?  How important is it to have children? How can one be a friend?  How important is it to follow social mores? How much should one lie (if at all) in a marriage? What does it mean to live in the  suburbs or the city?

At times I did not “like” some of the characters in this book, yet I commend the author for eliciting responses from me.  This book is NOT a lighthearted send up of the 50s or of romantic love.  It may, though, raise questions for the reader, making it a good book club choice.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#RecipeForAperfectWife #NetGalley

Washington Square is free.  The Reay title was reviewed by me.  It is connected to a current read of mine, Of Literature and Lattes.  Little is about Madame Tussaud.  The Bradley is part of a series.  The other two fiction titles have gotten excellent reviews.

Lovers of cozy mysteries will enjoy looking at this title as they plan their next reads.  Included are descriptions of new titles by Vivien Chen, Diane Kelly, Elizabeth Penney, Paige Shelton and M.C. Beaton.

There is everything here from a new Agatha Raisin mystery. (Note there is now a tv series based on these books) to a story set in Scotland.  There then are three U.S. based cozies featuring mystery solving heroines.

This title is available for free from on line stores.  Read some excerpts and find out if the author’s newest books appeal to you.  Hopefully some will.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this sampler in exchange for an honest review.

#CozyCaseFilesACozyMysterySamplerVolume8 #NetGalley

This short, wordless picture book for the youngest children is absolutely delicious. With delicate illustrations reminiscent of those by Helen Oxenbury, young readers watch as a young child observes his mother’s expanding girth due to pregnancy. The child tries to figure out what is happening. He even tries to replicate the look with a balloon. When the baby is born, he observes that his mom’s back to her usual shape.

This book is so very cute and can open the door to discussion on this life event. I give this one five stars. Adults will like it too!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in exchange for an honest review.

In this picture book, a very tiny little girl explores in a house. For example, she is so little that she can ride in a toilet paper tube. She is having fun until…a big shadow looms. She is brave, finds out whose shadow it is and makes a friend.

This is a simple, cute book that those who feel small or afraid in their world may enjoy. The illustrations are a bit muted, fun and go well with the text.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

A cook book, an historical novel by Moyes, a book from the always entertaining Susan Isaacs, a cookbook and more.  Happy reading.

This title offers lots of ways of expressing oneself.  After an introductions and chapters on materials and techniques, a umber of projects are detailed.  There are sections on Dot Grid Journaling, Junk Jornaling, Mixed Media Journaling and Travel Journaling.  The book ends with a section on DIY Accessoreis and Papers.  There are 52 projects in all.

The author presents a helpful list of materials to have on hand and suggestions for creative lettering for one’s journal pages. There are then colorful example of borders for one’s journal.  I had never heard of washi tape but see now how it can help to make beautiful, quick journal pages.

My own journal up until now has been quite utilitarian.  If yours is as well, perhaps you would like to experiment with adding an artistic statement to your writings, lists, and more.  The ideas in this book will definitely yield unique and colorful results.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

This is a short picture book story that has sweet illustrations. It tells the story of Bear who loves Squirrel but is too shy to let Squirrel know directly. Instead, Bear leaves small gifts for Squirrel. Squirrel does not know who her secret admirer is. By the end of the book, the two make a connection. Children will be glad to see that they have gotten together.

This book is for young children who will relate to the the wish to be friends. It may read differently to older children who might not want to have someone whom they do not know reaching out to them anonymously. Still, for the age group of the book, I think that it may be well received.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for an honest review.